Gekko Chizan, being sharp, saw the other party's intention at a glance.
Wasn't it just to test the drug's effects? Hmph — anyone who can be a daimyō isn't simple; every one of them has a sharp, useful mind.
Tsk tsk. Speaking of daimyōs, Gekko Chizan couldn't help but think of the one from the Land of Fire — he even wanted to cultivate his own shinobi corps.
No idea whether it would succeed. If it did, would Asuma have to join the ranks?
"Chizan, what was that medicine you gave that old man for?"
"Why is he so happy?"
Chomei knew there was medicine on Gekko Chizan, but he had never asked about it since he didn't take any himself.
What he didn't understand was: that daimyō wasn't a shinobi — why was he so keen on the elixir?
"Heh heh, men are always particularly invested in certain kinds of medicines, especially at his age."
"It's not anything special — just something to boost physical condition, maybe temporarily enhance a certain ability."
"Mm, no need to say more — as long as he likes it, that's fine."
"After all, this medicine was personally made by Orochimaru."
He remembered clearly how helpless Orochimaru looked when he was asked to make this type of medicine.
Having a scientist research these elixirs felt like a waste of talent, but to get the daimyo of the Land of Waterfall's approval, he swallowed his pride and produced the batch.
Because of this, Orochimaru even had the thought of taking on another apprentice....
He really didn't want to be stuck making these medicines forever.
"I wonder how Yahiko's side is doing. By now, Takigakure should already be under his control, I guess."
"With Konan and Akashige assisting him, I can provide him with some conveniences later — teaching him the Third Mizukage's techniques. With his talent, he could become a Kage-level warrior."
"If that happens, the layout of Takigakure will be complete."
Gekko Chizan leaned by the hot spring, his mind a thousand thoughts.
...
Inside the Takigakure conference room.
"Everyone is aware of the village's situation: outside enemies invaded, and the previous village head died at the hands of traitorous shinobi."
"I propose Yahiko become the new village head."
The topic of this meeting was to elect a new village head, and there were three candidates.
They were the recently risen Yahiko and two of the village's veteran jonin pillars, Takima and Gen.
And the one who had just spoken up was not Konan, but a supporter of Yahiko in the village.
During Yahiko's year in Takigakure, he had shined and become a leader in many people's hearts.
That natural leadership was exactly what Gekko Chizan valued.
"But Yahiko has been a village shinobi for too short a time; making him village head so soon seems improper."
"I'll stick to my suggestion: let Takima be the new village head."
"After all, his abilities have been obvious for years; he has the seniority and the strength."
The meeting ultimately split into two opposing camps — one for Yahiko, one for Takima.
Konan looked at Yahiko silently, knowing he was down because Akashige had been captured; the pair who had been comrades were now just the two of them.
This cemented Konan's resolve to help Yahiko rise — for Akashige and for Nagato.
"Yahiko is young, yes, but everyone's seen his strength and ability over this past year."
"I know what worries people, but what if Yahiko can bring greater benefit to the village? Help the village develop quickly."
"If so, would anyone still worry?"
Konan's words drew every eye; even Yahiko looked at her, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
He never expected Konan to speak up like this and argue his case for village head.
When their eyes met, Yahiko saw a glint of resolve in Konan's, and he cursed himself inwardly.
At this time, he himself wasn't as determined as Konan — Akashige, Nagato, just wait; I will bring you back!
"Yes. Although Takigakure has long avoided war, we will never allow outsiders to bully us."
"Akashige is my friend. He was taken — I'm responsible, so I won't let this happen again."
"Strengthening the village is urgent!"
"Although I am a newcomer, I have the courage. If I fail, I will give up the village head post."
Yahiko's leadership flared again; his whole presence radiated strong confidence, lifting the spirits of those who already followed him.
Those who had opposed him felt stirred by his words.
After all, Takigakure is the only village aside from the Five Great Shinobi Villages to possess a tailed beast — they are not weak!
"Good! Well said!"
"Takima, I'm sorry — though I'm your brother, the village's interests come first."
"If this kid Yahiko can truly bring Takigakure into glory, what's wrong with supporting him?"
The first to speak up was Gen, one of the veteran jonin like Takima.
He had earlier fought alongside Yahiko and others against Uchiha Makito's genjutsu — he was the one who used the binding technique.
Having witnessed the threat from outsiders, he urgently wanted to strengthen the village.
His words shook those who had supported Takima.
"Alright, if that's the case, I have nothing more to say."
"Yahiko, I hope you can lead the village forward. I will supervise you; if I find you doing anything that harms the village, I will act immediately."
In the end, Takima conceded.
Yahiko nodded solemnly, Konan standing at his side.
The two understood: they had completed the mission Gekko Chizan had entrusted them.
...
The next day, the Land of Waterfall's daimyō, Daimyō Shigawa Masa, summoned Gekko Chizan again.
This time the daimyō's face was flushed; seeing him like that, Gekko Chizan understood the daimyō had already been completely won over.
"Daimyō-sama, it looks like you rested well yesterday?"
"Hahahaha — not just well, very well!"
Daimyō Shigawa Masa had servants bring food, then raised his cup toward Gekko Chizan.
"Chizan-kun, I accept your proposal. As long as your teacher Orochimaru can regularly supply a certain amount of medicine to the daimyō's residence."
"You may conduct your research anywhere you want in the Land of Waterfall."
Gekko Chizan smiled slightly. Before the daimyō could continue, he spoke first:
"Thank you, Daimyō-sama. My teacher is only doing research and will not harm anything in the Land of Waterfall."
"He will not put you in a difficult position, please rest assured."
"As for the medicine, I will have him send a batch as soon as possible. Pleasure doing business."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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